Watch opening tool



Aug. 30, 1949. D. FRANKS ET AL 2,480,565

WATCH OPENING TOOL Filed Jan. 3, 1945 JEE- 80 W1 W0 JWAA/AG, 152-- E NOR/9A5 6644/ /90,

Patented Aug. 30, 1949 WATCH OPENING TOOL David Franks and Morris Shapiro, Washington, D. C.

Application January 3, 1945, Serial No. 571,138

6 Claims.

The present invention relates to improvements in tools and has reference more particularly to watchmakers tools for use in removing and securing the threaded backs of waterproof wrist watches.

Waterproof wrist Watches now on themarket have the backs threaded into the cases and as such watches are made in a large number of sizes and shapes, it is necessary for the watchmaker or repairman to carry in stock a large number of different types and sizes of special keys to accommodate the different styles of threaded backs for the cases of waterproof wrist watches in order that such threaded backs can be opened and removedand later replaced.

It is therefore the primary object of our invention to provide a single tool that can be readily and easily adjusted to fit any style of threaded back on a waterproof watch case to facilitate the quick and efiicient removal of the back ofthe case whenever necessary,

Another object is to provide a watchmakers tool wherein a three point engagement of the tool with the back of the watch case may be attained, thus assuring positive locking engagement of the tool with the periphery of the back of the case and prevent any slippage when the tool is in use.

A further and important object resides in the provision of a watchmakers tool of the above mentioned character that consists of relatively few parts, the coacting watch case back gripping members being each capable of axial adjustment to allow sufficient clearance between the watch case and the tool so that the handle portion of the tool can be freely swung in removing or applying the threaded back of the waterproof watch case.

A still further object is to provide a tool of the aforementioned character that will at all times be positive and efiicient in carrying out the purposes for which it is designed, the same being further simple in construction, inexpensive, strong and durable.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description, when taken in connection with the accompanying drawing.

In the drawing forming a part of the specification and wherein like reference characters designate corresponding parts throughout the several views:

Figure 1 is a top plan view of our watchmakers tool;

Figure 2 is a side elevation thereof;

Figure 3 is a longitudinal sectional view taken approximately on'th'e line 33 of Figure 1;

a Figure 4 is a bottom plan view of the improved tool; a

Figure 5 is a transverse sectional view taken approximately on the line'55 of Figure 1;

Figure 6 is a detailed perspective view of one of the threaded pins or studs forming a salient part of the present invention, and

Figures 7, 8, and 9 show various types of the threaded backs of difierent makes of waterproof wrist watches.

In the drawing, wherein for the'purpose of illustration, is shown the preferred embodiment of our invention, the numeral Ill designates generally the improved tool. This tool comprises a disc-like head I! formed on one end of the flat handle portion [2. The other end of the handle portion is provided with a transversely projecting ear l3 extending upwardl therefrom.

The handle and integral enlarged head and upturned ear are formed from a piece of flat steel of suitable thickness to provide a rigid structure and one that will not buckle in the use of the tool. The handle and head are arranged in substantially coplanar relation relative to each other.

A longitudinally extending slot 14 is formed in the handle portion and extends into the disclike head I I as clearly shown in the drawing and the purpose thereof will be presently described.

A pair of holes l5and l6 are formed through the head H and are located in spaced relation from each other a distance greater than their radial distancefrom the center of the disc-like head ll. Also formed through the head is the hole I! that is in alinement with the slot 14 and is substantially equally spaced from the holes I5 and I6.

Forming a salient feature of our watchmakers tool are the threaded pins or studs I8, I!) and 20, respectively. Each of these pins is formed at its upper end with a flattened key-like finger 2|, the purpose of which will also be presently described. The lower end of each pin or stud is formed with a slot 22 to receive the driving contact of a screw driver when these pins or studs are to be adjusted. j

The pins l8 and: 19 are adapted to extend through the holes l5 and [6, respectively, and jam nuts 23 and 24 are threaded on each of these two pins [8 and IQ for engagement with the top and bottom faces, respectively, of the head II for holding the pins [8 and [9 in their longitudinally or axially adjusted position.

Mounted for longitudinal slidable movement on the upper face of the handle [2 across the slotted portion thereof and also movable across the slotted portion of the disc-like head II is the steel strip 25 that carries at its inner end, the block 26.

This strip 25 is formed with a threaded opening 27, through which is threaded the pin or stud 2B. The latter also extends through the slot l4 and a jam nut 28 is threaded on this pin 2:: for locking the latter in its axially adjusted position. A washer 29 is arranged on the pin 20 and is interposed between the upper face of the jam nut 28 and the bottom face of the disc-like head H.

A feed screw 36 is threaded through an opening 31 provided therefor in the upstanding ear It. The forward reduced and unthreaded end of this feed screw extends into the block 26 and is rotatably secured therein in any suitable manner. A set screw 32 extends into one side of the block 26 and the inner end of this set screw coacts with an annular groove 33 formed in the unthreaded end of the feed screw, to prevent displacement of the feed screw from the block on the strip 26. A washer 34is arranged. on the unthreaded forward end of the feed. screw for disposition adjacent the rear face of the block 26.

A wing nut 35 is. fixedly secured on the rear end of the feed screw 3!! and provides the means for turning the feed screw so as. to move the pin carrying strip 25 forward or away from the fixed pins [8 and I9.

When the jamb nut 28 is loosened the pin 2Q can be adjusted transversely by rotation of the pin relative to the remainder of the. device or tool. When the desired adjustment of the pin 25 has been made then the pinis held against rotation and, the jamb nut 28 is tightened. When the pairs of jamb nuts are loosened then the pins is and is may be adjusted transversely of their head I i by rotation of the pins while the jamb nuts thereon are held against rotation. Of course, the transverse adjustment of the pins l8 and is may be made by rotation of the jamb nuts or both the pins andjamb nuts may be rotated to produce the desired adjustment. When the transverse adjustment and the angularadjustment of the pins [8 and- 18 has been made to suit conditions for successful operation, then the'jarnb nuts are adjusted on the pins i3 and i9 and tightened against the head portion, whiie' the pins are held against rotation. The pin 28 may also be secured or locked against slidable movement inthe slotted portion M of the head and handle by the jamb nut 28. v

In orderto make an accurate adjustment of the three threaded pins and. their gripping fingers in a plane parallel with the head and handle portions, it is necessary to first adjust the pin 23 and its finger 2! to a desired position, angularly or rotatively, axially and transversely as well' as longitudinally in the slot of the head and handie portions. This adjustment having been made, the other fingers are adjusted individuallyby a manipulating of thepins and their jamb nuts to bring the tips of their fingers intothe planeparal'let to the head and handle portions. In adjusting our device for the form of watch back shown in Figure. it, the Hat sides of the fingers should be; arranged to engage flatly against three sides ofthe octagon. In orderto make this adjustment neatly and accurately; itminy'he necessary to make a final and lateral adjustment of the pin 20.- and its finger: 2 t.

In making the adjustment for the watch back shown in Figure 7 the same procedure is followed except that the fingers 2| should be located edgewise in the suitably located notches 38. The

5 watch back shown in Figure 9 merely requires a simple spanner wrench. Our device may be converted into a simple spanner wrench by using the apertured portion l1 and substituting adjustable screw threaded pins having cylindrical fingers (not shown).

The relation of the three threaded pins 18, I9 and 28 may be said to constitute a triangular arrangement since lines connecting the axes of the pins would define a triangle. For the purposes of our description, pin 20 may be designated as a movable apex pin and the other pins I8 and 19 may be designated as base pins. All the pins are screw threaded throughout their full length except their gripping fingers 2i. The fingers 2i constitute rectangular or quadrangular prisms, i. e., all cross sections of any of said fingers at a right angle to its axis are identical in size and contour and. are rectangular. Likewise, all longitudinal sections at right angles to the flat faces of said fingers and parallel to its axis are identical rectangles in size and contour.

It will now be readily understood that we have produced a tool with features constituting means whereby a multiplicity of adjustments may be made. In. fact, it may be said that our device has the qualities of universal adjustment as well as refined or minute adjustments.

In Figures '7, 8 and 9 there are shown three different types. or shapes of backs as are provided on cases of waterproof watches now generally on the market.

In the form illustrated in Figure '7, the back 36, which is threaded into the watch case 3 7, is formed in its periphery with a series of spaced notches 38.

When this type of waterproof watch case is to be opened, our tool has its pins 18' and i9 rotatably adjusted sothat the key-like fingers 2i thereof will fit into the respective opposed 45 notches 38 while the complementary pin 2c is laterally adjusted so as to bring its finger 2t into engagement with the proper notch in the watch case back.

With the tool engaged in the proper gripping 5 position with this type of back and the front of thewatch case held firmly in one hand, the watchmaker grips the handle portion E2 of thetooi in the other hand and by simply'swingi-ng the handle in one direction, the back can be quickly and easily unscrewed and removedfrom the watch case.

In the form of waterproof watch case shown in Figure 8, the back 39 is formed with an octagonal shaped periphery 48, forming tool engaging faces which require, under the present practice, a special type of tool or wrench, different from the type of tool now used to remove the back shown in Figure 7.

With our improved tool, the polygonal shaped 65 back can be unscrewed from its case 41 by having the pins 18 and i9 turned so that the inner faces of their gripping fingers 2 l engage one pair of opposed faces 48, while-the finger of the laterally adjustable pin 20 is brought into gripping engagement with theadjacent face 48. It will be understoodthat where this type of back is encountered, the back usually protrudesbeyond the-rear: face of the case as is indfcated in the dotted lines in Figure 3, thus allowing our toot 7 to firmly grip theback or thewatclm case and the tool is actuated in the same manner as pre-- an example thereof is illustrated in Figure 9,

wherein, the back d2, which is threaded into the watch case 43, is formed with a pair of opposed recesses :24 to receive a special type of spanner wrench or tool in order that the back can be removed.

vWhen removing this type of 'back from its case, our tool can be employedfor this purpose and when such form of back is encountered, the pins if; and I9 are removed from the head H and oneof these pins is positioned through the opening [7, provided therefor in the head H. The finger of this pin will then cooperate with the finger on the properly adjusted pin 20 to engage in the recesses 44 and by simply swinging the handle portion l2 in the proper direction, this type of back can be quickly and easily unscrewed from its case.

The purpose of longitudinally or axially adjusting the threaded pins I8, I9 and 2B is to allow for sumcient clearance between the back of the watch case being worked upon and the tool, so that the tool can be easily and efficiently actuated and without any danger of the tool scratching or otherwise marring the back of the watch case.

It will thus be seen from the foregoing description that we have provided a watchmakers tool that will take the place of a multiplicity of special tools heretofore necessary for removing i Having thus described our invention, what we claim is:

1. A watchmakers tool for use in turning the threaded back of a watch case, said tool comprising a head portion and a handle portion integrally connected together and arranged in coplanar relation to each other, said head por tion being broader than said handle portion, said portions having a slot therein extending in a direction longitudinally of the handle, said handle portion having an integral ear thereon extending transversely thereof remote from said head portion, said ear having a screw threaded aperture therein having its axis located parallel to said handle portion and to said slot aforesaid, in combination with a strip having an apertured ear located in alignment with said first named ear, said ears being connected for relative movement by a feed screw having a manipulating hand piece whereby it may be rotated, said feed screw having screw threaded engagement with the screw threaded ear, one end of the feed screw having a swiveled connection with the second named ear, said strip being slidable to and fro over the slot aforesaid, said strip having a screw threaded aperture therein extending transversely thereof and in alignment with the 6 slot aforesaid, a screw threaded pin extending through said slot and engaging the screw threaded aperture of said strip, said pin havinga washer thereon engaging said slotted portions of said head and handle, in further combination with a screw threaded. jamb nut engaging both said washer and said pin, said head having spaced apertures therein remote from said handle por tion, each of said apertures receiving a screw threaded pinbodily movable therein both rotatively' and axially, each of said last named pins.

having a pair of jamb nuts thereon, one nut of each pair being located on opposite sides of said head and engaging the same when in clamped position on said head, all of said pins beinglocated in triangular relation to each other, each of saidpins having a finger arranged axially thereon and constituting an integral extension of each pin to form a gripping means for a watch case back, said fingers being uniformly rectangular in cross section throughout the whole volume of said fingers, said sections being equal in area to each other, all of said pins and fingers being rotatively adjustable relative to each other and being transversely adjustable to said head and handle portions.

'2. A watchmakers tool for usein turning the threaded back of a watch case, said tool comprising a head portion and a handle portion integrally connected and said portions havingcoplanar relation to each other, said head portion being broader than the handle portion and having two apertures therein each having a portion thereof located outside the contour lines of said handle portion, said head and handle portions having a slot therein extending in a direction longitudinally of said handle, in combination with a strip slidably mounted on said head and handle portions, said strip and said handle 1 portion having parallel upstanding ears, in further combination with a feed screw adjustably connecting said ears, said feed screw beingswiveled to one ear and having screw threaded connection with the other ear, said strip having a screw threaded aperture therein extending transversely of said strip and receiving a screw threaded pin, said screw threaded pin extending through said slot aforesaid, said pin being provided with a washer and a jamb nut with the washer being positioned between said jamb nut and said head and handle portions for clamping engagement of said strip along said slot, said feed screw having means on one end thereof for rotating the same, th apertured portions aforesaid having each a screw threaded pin extending freely therethrough, each of said last named pins having a pair of jamb nuts thereon, one of each pair of nuts being also located in opposed clamping relation to said head portion, all of said screw threaded pins having gripping fingers thereon and coaxial therewith, each of said fingers having greater width than thickness and comprising a solid quadrangular prism.

s 3. A watchmakers tool for use in turnin the threaded back of a watch case, said tool comprising a coplanar member constituting a head portion and a handle portion, said head portion being broader than said handle portion, said head portion having apertures therein located in a line substantially at right angles to the longitudinal axis of said handle portion, said apertures being remote from said handle portion, said member having a slot therein extending in a direction in substantial alignment with the longitudinal,

ing in the same direction, said ears being connected by a feed screw,'one"endor said feed screw bein swiveled to one earandits'opposite end be ing provided with means whereby the screw may be rotated, the other ear being provided with a screw threaded portion engaging said feed screw, said strip having a screw threaded aperture extending transversely thereof and within the outline of said slot, in further combination with a screw threaded pin extending through said screw threaded aperture in said strip and also through said slot, said pin having a washer and jamb nut thereon whereby said strip may be clamped in adjusted relation to said member, in further com"- bination with a pair of screw threaded pins passing freely through the apertures of said head portion, each of said pair of pins having a pair of lamb nuts thereon, one of each pair of nuts being located on opposite sides of said head portion whereby said pins may be clamped in an ad'- justed position, all of said pins having gripping fingers thereon and coaxial therewith, each of said fingers constituting a quadrangular prism symmetrically located on the end of its pin.

4. The construction set forth in claim 3, in

which the fingers are screw threaded throughout their whole length except the quadrangular prisms thereof.

5. A watchmakers tool for use in turning the threaded back of a watch case, said tool comprising a substantially straight member having a broad portion, said broad portion having a pair of pins extending transversely therethrough, said pair of pins being screw threaded and each having a pair of jamb nuts thereon, one of each pair of nuts engagin an opposite side of said broad" portion whereby each pin may be firmly secured in an adjusted position, in combination with a slide strip guided on said member, said strip and member having means thereon for adjusting said strip and member relatively and longitudinally of each other, said member being provided with a slot located beneath said strip and extending longitudinally of said member, said strip having a screw threaded aperture extending transversely adjustment, all of said pins having fingers thereon and coaxial therewith, each of said fingers comprising a solid quadrangular prism,

all of said pins being screw threaded throughout their whole length except the fingers thereof.

6. A watchmakers tool for use in turning the threaded back of a watch, said tool comprising a member including a handle having a disc-like head formed on one end thereof, said handle and 8. head being integrally connected together and disposed in coplanar relation to each other, a pair of pins extending transversely through said head in a position in which each pin is substantially equally remote from said handle, a second member mounted for longitudinal sliding movement on said first named member, each member having an upstanding ear thereon, said ears being a parallel to each other and bein provided with N umber apertures arranged in axial alignment with each other, said first named member having a Slot therein extending. in a direction longitudinally of the axis of said handle, said second named member having a screw threaded aperture extending transversely therethrough, a screw threaded pin extending through both said screw threaded aperture and through said slot, in combination with a washer and a jamb nut on said threaded pin to lock said pin in its selected angular, axial and translatory position of adjustment by firmly engaging said slotted member, in further combination with a feed screw for said movable member, said feed screw having a swiveled connection with the car on the movable member, the ear on the first named member being screw threaded to receive the threaded portion of the feed screw for cooperation therewith, said feed screw having on its free end means for rotatin the same and thereby make relative selective adjustment of the members, each one of the pair of pins aforesaid being screw threaded to receive on each side of said first named member a jamb nut whereby each pin may be locked in any selected position of adjustment both angularly and axially, each of said pins having a gripping finger thereon, said finger constituting substantially a'coaxial extension of each pin, each of said fingers constituting a quadrangular prism.

DAVID FRANKS. MORRIS SHAPIRO.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Name Date Lagerbeck May 21, 1901 Miller May 31, 1904 Banner Aug. 19, 1919 Secord Mar. 22, 1921 Harris 1 Dec. 25, 1923 Altman Apr. 6, 1926 Schadeck July 27, 1926 Sharke 1 May 27, 1930 Burns Nov. 27, 1945 FOREIGN PATENTS Country Date France Jan. 6, 1913 France Nov. 6, 1922 Great Britain Jan. 25, 1934 Number 

